Fire Department · Career
Bradford County Fire Rescue
Starke, FL · Bradford County
Fire Chief Ben Carter leads a team of more than 60 professional firefighter-paramedics and EMTs; the department staffs four ALS transport units and three fire engines positioned throughout the county.
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Department careers page ↗Bradford County Fire Rescue traces its EMS roots to September 19, 1983, when the Board of County Commissioners established Bradford County Emergency Medical Services, taking over ambulance duties previously handled by Bradford County Hospital, Inc. since 1976. On October 1, 2020, the Board combined the county's fire and EMS operations into a single Bradford County Fire Rescue Department, unifying command and training under one agency.
Today the department runs four Advanced Life Support transport units and three fire engines positioned strategically around the county, responding to roughly 5,800 emergency calls a year that range from structure fires and vehicle crashes to hazardous materials incidents and water/confined-space rescues. Beyond emergency response, BCFR also runs fire prevention inspections, public fire and CPR education, Narcan training, and a Community Paramedicine Program that extends chronic-disease management and wellness checks to residents outside the traditional 911 model.
The department is led by Fire Chief Ben Carter, a Bradford County native and Bradford High School graduate who came up through the department's own ranks - EMT, paramedic, Operations Captain, Division Chief, and Deputy Chief - before being appointed Chief in June 2022. He now leads a team of more than 60 professional firefighter-paramedics and EMTs built around the department's core values of Honor, Dedication, and Preparedness.
MissionThe mission of the Bradford County Fire Rescue is to protect lives and property through the provision of high quality emergency medical services, professional fire protection, rescue and public safety programs. We will accomplish this through the delivery of rigorous department training programs, public safety education, fire prevention awareness, and initiatives that focus on reducing mortality and/or practices that can cause fire. Our personnel will strive to learn, improve, and grow in their ability to serve. Our personnel will accomplish our mission by upholding our core values of Honor, Dedication and Preparedness, while performing our duties in a safe manner.
Bradford County Fire Rescue hires directly into entry-level Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, and Firefighter positions. Applications are accepted at all times and kept on file for one calendar year after submission, with positions filled on an as-needed basis rather than through scheduled hiring cycles. Interested applicants download the county employment application and deliver it to BCFR headquarters at 945-C North Temple Avenue in Starke.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Paramedic/EMT license
- Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance (for firefighter positions)
- BLS/ACLS Provider Card
- 16 Hour EVOC
- Hazardous Materials Awareness
- Social Security Card
- Driver's license
What entry-level positions does Bradford County Fire Rescue hire for?
The department hires Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, and Firefighters, filling positions on an as-needed basis rather than on a fixed schedule.
How long does an application stay on file?
Applications are accepted at all times and are kept on file for one calendar year after they are submitted.
What was Bradford County Fire Rescue before 2020?
Fire and EMS were separate operations. Bradford County EMS was established in 1983, and the Board of County Commissioners combined fire and EMS into a single Bradford County Fire Rescue Department on October 1, 2020.
Does the department offer services beyond 911 response?
Yes. BCFR runs a Community Paramedicine Program providing non-emergency care, chronic disease management, wellness checks, and substance abuse assistance, plus fire prevention inspections and public safety education including Narcan training.